Click to Download Flyer 

Blue clues

Is the city finally getting a clue when it comes to its recycling programs? We compare the pilot “blue cart” program with the blue bags.

By Leah Pietrusiak

Blue bags were introduced in Chicago in 1995, and have been booed pretty much ever since. But last year, the city’s Department of Streets and Sanitation decided to use an $8 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to fund a new blue-cart recycling program. It was launched in February in the 19th Ward, moved into the 5th and 8th Wards in April, and the first pickup in the 1st and 37th Wards will take place June 4 (meetings are being held to educate residents; visit flores1stward.com or call 311). In August, residents of the 46th and 47th Wards will be able to take advantage of the program, which will bring the service to seven of Chicago’s 50 wards (visit civicfootprint.org to find out what ward you live in).

But “don’t trash one form of recycling for another,” advises Matt Smith of Streets and Sans. “Keep on recycling in whatever form you can…this is also a pilot for [the city] to make the delivery system more efficient.”

If your ward is not being serviced by blue carts, visit chicagorecycles.org for a list of recycling drop-off centers and more info. Meanwhile, here’s a rough breakdown of bags versus carts:

The City of Chicago announces the 2007 Rain Garden for Homeowner's Program.

Help keep Chicago clean and green! This summer Chicago learn how to create a rain garden and receive rain garden plants at significantly discounted prices through a pilot Rain Garden Assistance Program, supported by the Chicago Department of Environment, Department of Water Management and the Rain Garden Network.

Workshop Sessions are July 7 and 14 from 10am to 1pm and plants will be distributed July 28 or 31.
Presenters: Sue Cubberly, Rain Garden Network; and Greencorps Chicago staff
Location: Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd., 60622

This workshop series is FREE and the rain garden plants will sell for$1 each.  The number of plants will be determined according to size of each applicant's garden plot. At least one person from your site must attend Sessions 1 and 2 (Maximum of 3 attendees per garden).

How To Apply

1. Complete Rain Garden Assistance Program Application
2. Must be a City of Chicago resident and site location
3. Proposed garden dimensions must be a minimum of 15 square feet and maximum 500 square feet
4. Include site sketch and a photo of your proposed site for review by horticulture and design professionals.

Application Deadline: May 31, 2007

Valid applications will be reviewed for consideration in the 2007 pilot program.
Applications received after 5:00 PM on Thursday, May 31 will not be considered.
Applicants will be informed of their acceptance by 5:00 PM Thursday, June 14, 2007.

Return via mail, email, or fax to:

Chicago Center for Green Technology
Attn: Katie Rehrauer
445 N. Sacramento Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60612

Fax 312-746-9192 or Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it